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The Fatal Blow 



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A Melodrama in Three Acts 



BY 



EDWARD M. HARRIS 




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PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1909 



*1 



H^ 3 



Copyright 1909 by The Penn Publishing Company 



The Fatal Blow 



©CLD 1744? 



TMP92-009174 






The Fatal Blow ' 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Everett Searles, . . president of the People' s Bank. 

Thomas Allen, cashier in People s Bank. 

Frederick Montford-Ely, . . cousin of Searles 

Tobias Smythe, . . called Toby, of the People s Bank, 

and friend of Allen s. 
Tim Yerkes, . . known as " Tin " ; works while the 
J world sleeps. 

Jerry Adams, . known as « Eve" ; colleague of Yerkes. 
Detective. . ,.„., 

Mrs. Doane, ....... ?f r " nd °/ El £ Sm 

Mary Searles, .... president' s oldest daughter. 

Frederica Searles, .... called Freda, her sister. 

t ENN ie .... servant in the house of Searles. 

Mother Boyce, friend of Yerkes. 

Police. 

Time in Representation : — Two hours. 



ARGUMENT 

Montford-Ely plans to marry Mary Searles, who loves 
Tom Allen. Her father's bank is robbed by Ely, who causes 
Allen to be arrested. Mrs. Doane, a friend of Ely's, helps 
him to kidnap Mary ; but when Ely strikes her she turns 
against him and tells Allen where Mary is hidden. Allen 
rescues Mary, is himself exonerated and Ely goes to prison. 

Act I. — President's office in the People's Bank. Ely's 
threat. "I'll tell all." Searles: "You have me in your 
power." Ely plots to rob bank. Mary refuses Ely's offer 
of marriage. Allen and Smythe do a little detective work. 
The lost plan. Ely and Allen. " You would accuse me? " 
"Yes, you deceitful cur." 

Act II. — Library in home of Searles. "The bank has 
been robbed." Allen and Mary. " It would be wrong to 
ask you to be my wife while this stigma of crime hangs over 
me." "Let me be the judge of that." The decoy letter. 
"I'll go. It may save you." Ely and Searles. "You 
must have Allen arrested." "Yes, if only to protect our- 
selves." Allen accuses Ely of having misappropriated 
money. " You lie ! " " Who'd believe a thief? " Allen 
accused of robbing the bank and arrested. 

Act III. — Apartments of Mrs. Doane. Mrs. Doane and 
Ely arrange to kidnap Mary. " Mary Searles must be my 
wife. ' ' Mary and Mrs. Doane. ' ' Your baby face has robbed 
me of the man I love." "I detest him." "It's your 
money he wants." Ely strikes Mrs. Doane — the fatal blow. 
"I'll place him behind prison bars." 

Act IV. — Cellar room in the house of " Mother Boyce." 
Mother Boyce in charge of Mary. Smythe goes for the 
police; Allen hides. " Are you men of honor ? " Adams 
has a soft spot in his heart. Ely and Adams. " I'm to give 
you five thousand apiece." "We've changed our minds." 
Mary's dash for liberty. Allen commands the situation. 
"Move an inch and I'll fire." The police. " The game 
is up." Allen exonerated. Love reigns supreme. 



COSTUMES 

Searles. Should be about fifty years old, gray hair, 
moustache or beard. Well dressed in business suit. 

Allen. About twenty-five years old, well dressed 
throughout. Moustache or smooth face. 

Smythe. A little younger than Allen and well dressed. 
Smooth face. 

Montford-Ely. About thirty to thirty-five years of age, 
dark hair and moustache and dresses well. 

Yerkes and Adams. In Act I, Yerkes wears frock coat 
and Adams business suit, but both are evidently not used to 
being dressed so well. In Acts III and IV, they are more 
roughly dressed. In Act IV, they may appear without coats 
or collars, arms bare, etc. 

Detective and Police. Detective wears ordinary busi- 
ness suit and hat. Police should wear uniform with 
badges, etc. 

Mrs. Doane. Is about thirty and fashionably dressed. 
Outdoor costume in Acts I and IV. 

Mary Searles. About twenty-five and well dressed. 
Wears walking-suit and hat in Acts I and III, and indoor 
morning costume in Act II. In Act IV same costume as 
Act III, but without hat, gloves, etc. 

Freda. Is about eighteen and well dressed. Outdoor 
costume in Acts I and IV. 

Jennie. Servant's costume. 

Mother Boyce. About sixty, gray hair, poorly dressed ; 
wears an apron, and a small shawl about shoulders. 



PROPERTIES 

Act I.— Paper for Smythe; cigarette for Ely; drawing 
on paper for Yerkes; roll of paper to represent plan of 
building for Allen. (This should be a blue-print if possi- 
ble.) Handkerchief for Allen. 

Act II.— Newspaper for Mary ; letter for Jennie ; book 
for Ely ; handcuffs for detective. 

Act III. — Revolver for Mary; handkerchief for Adams. 

Act IV. Shawl for Mary ; revolvers for Allen, Smythe, 
Ely, Adams, Yerkes. 

5 



SCENE PLOTS 




Act I. — President's office at bank. Doors c. and l. 
flat-top desk down R., with chairs near it; hat-rack with 
hooks against wall r. There may be bookcases right and 
left of c. door. Engravings on walls, etc. 




Act II. — Library at home of Mr. Searles. Handsomely 
furnished interior. Wide door with portieres in flat c. ; 
door l. Sofa down r. ; tables, chairs, etc. 
6 






SCENE PLOTS 




AcT HI _Mrs. Doane's apartment. Wide door with 
curtains L., door r., window c. Small desk with clock 
up R , sofa down L. Other furnishings as desired. 




\ CT iv —Cellar at Mother Boyce's. Door l., sup- 
posed to lead to other rooms in the house, and to street. 
Short flight of steps c. leads to door which opens on alley- 
way. Closet door right of steps; couch up L., table and 
three chairs, with hanging lamp over table down R. 



The Fatal Blow 



ACT I 

SCENE.— President's office. Doors c. and L. For 
description see Scene Plot, page 6. At rise Everett 
Searles discovered seated at flat-topped desk, R. Tobias 
Smythe enters c, and comes down and hands a paper to 
Searles. He then turns and starts up. 
Searles {looking up). Oh, Smythe ! 
Smythe. Yes, sir. 

Searles. Isn't your father a senator? 
Smythe. Yes, sir. 

Searles. He seems to be questioning the methods em- 
ployed by the promoters of the Consolidated Street Railroad 
in securing its charter. In fact, he has started an inves- 
tigation. „ , * 

Smythe. I was not aware of it, sir. My father is a very 
conscientious man. The people realized that, sir, when 
they elected him as senator. 

Searles. Do you believe he could be induced to drop 
the matter ? 

Smythe. Not if he believes he's in the right. 
Searles. You understand, of course, that I would not 
want him to do anything but what he would consider to be 
right. 

Smythe. Oh, yes, sir. 

Searles. My suggestion to drop the matter is not for 
personal interests, but for the bank's ; which is heavily in- 
terested. You can understand what effect such an investiga- 
tion as this will have on the market value of the stocks of 
the road. 

Smythe. I understand, sir. 

Searles {looking sharply at Smythe). Er— er— I ex- 
pect my daughters here this afternoon. Freda said some- 
thing about having you— er— I've forgotten— er— just what. 
She'll tell you herself. 



10 THE FATAL BLOW 

Smythe. Thank you, sir. Nothing more, sir ? 
Searles (busy at desk). No. 
Smythe. Thought he could pump me. 

(Exit, door c.) 

Searles. Did I do right in speaking to that boy of this 
affair? But I can't get it out of my mind. Suppose they 
find out that — that — we — no ! no ! Montford-Ely must see 
to that. 

(Enter Frederick Montford-Ely, l.) 

Ely. Ah ! Everett, hard at work ? 

Searles. Yes, Mr. Ely. 

Ely. Mr. Ely, cousin ? Why so formal ? 

Searles. Pardon the formality. I'm greatly worried. 

Ely. About what ? 

Searles. This investigation up at Albany into the 
methods employed by us in securing the charter for the 
Consolidated. Smythe is stirring up a fuss. You've seen 
the paper, of course. 

Ely. Yes. That's what I've called to see you about. 
I had a wire from Albany. 

Searles. Have they found out anything ? 

Ely. Not yet. I believe Smythe' s son is employed here 
in the bank. 

Searles. Yes. I've tried hard to pump him, but he 
gave me the political honesty speech. Every man has his 
price, if you can find it. 

Ely. You'd better discharge young Smythe. And also 
that man Allen. 

Searles. Discharge Allen ! Absurd. He's the best, the 
safest man we've got. And to let Smythe go would be 
showing our hand and would encourage his father to push 
this investigation with renewed vigor. 

Ely. But I tell you they are spying upon us. Allen 
has been nosing around and is hot on the trail. He knows 
too much. 

Searles. We must throw them off of the track. I'll 
see my daughter Mary. She has some influence with Allen. 
But these men — that — that — we bought. They'll not 

Ely. You can't tell what they'll do to save themselves. 

Searles. But you have arranged it so that I cannot be 
implicated ? 



THE FATAL BLOW II 

Ely. I have done the best I could. 

Searles. I'm not blaming you. I'll put my trust in 
Mary to save the day. 

Ely (savagely). I don't wish to have Mary become too 
familiar with Allen. That's a matter that has also brought 
me here to-day. I want your assistance in securing her 
consent to a marriage with me. 

Searles. You are a relative. I don't believe in this in- 
termarrying of cousins. 

Ely. Relationship, bah ! I'm not a relative of hers. 
Searles, I want your daughter, Mary, for my wife. I'm go- 
ing to have her. I'll brook no interference from Allen. 
You must help me, or I go before this committee on in- 
vestigation and tell all I know. 

Searles. No ! no ! man, would you ruin me ? 

Ely (carelessly lighting a cigarette). That's for you to 
decide. 

Searles. You were well paid for what you did. Why 
play the traitor ? 

Ely. Traitor is rather a harsh word, Searles. However, 
I'll pass it. I've set my heart on marrying Mary; but this 
Allen seems to hold the upper hand. Get rid of him, 
Searles ; do you understand ? Get rid of him, or 

Searles. Yes, yes. You have me in your power. 
Why did I trust you ? 

Ely. You should have thought of that before. 

Searles. You want to marry Mary ? But this woman, 
this Mrs. Doane, what is she to you ? 

Ely. Very useful at times, as you are well aware. 

Searles. I mean, are you engaged to her? Are you 
going to marry her ? 

Ely. I said she was useful to me. 

Searles. Useful to you ? 

Ely. Yes, just in the same manner as she has been use- 
ful to you. You were ready enough to avail yourself of 
Mrs. Doane's assistance in the Consolidated's affair. She 
is busy now trying to checkmate our estimable friend Allen. 
I expect her to call and report to you what she knows. 
Oh ! by the way, I expect two men to meet me here. I 
trust you will pardon the liberty I've taken in inviting them 
here. 

Searles. Men who can be of use to us ? 

Ely. Ah — yes. (Aside.*) Tome, 



12 THE FATAL BLOW 

Searles. You'll want me, of course? 
Ely. No ! no ! I'll — I'll arrange matters with them. 
Searles. Won't you need me to explain — er — our 
position ? 

Ely. It's better that I deal with them. 
Searles. Very well. You know best. 
Ely. You'll see that we are not disturbed. 
Searles. Yes. {Knock is heard on door L.) 
Ely. This must be they now. 
Searles. I'll return when they are gone. 
Ely (crossing to l.). All right, all right. 

(Exit Searles, c.) 

(Ely opens door l. and "Tin" Yerkes enters. He is 
dressed in a Prince Albert, etc. He acts ill at ease dur- 
ing the whole scene.') 

Yerkes. Well, chum, here I am. What de yer think of 
me rig ? 

Ely. You'll pass. Where is the other man ? 

Yerkes. Adams ? He's in the hall. We never take no 
chances. 

Ely. Call him in. 

Yerkes. Is it safe ? 

Ely. Yes. 

Yerkes. All right. (Crosses l. and calls off.) Sist ! 
Eve. 

Adams (outside). Do yer want me? 

Yerkes. Sure. Come in. 

(Enter Jerry Adams, l.) 

Ely (to Yerkes). We can trust him ? 

Yerkes. Yer know me ? 

Ely. Yes. 

Yerkes (waving his hand toward Adams). This is 
Adams, and this (pointing to Ely) is the boss. 

Ely. Glad to know you. 

Adams (shaking hands). Same here. 

Yerkes. Now to business. 

Ely. I'm running a great risk in bringing you here, but 
it's the only way for you to see how the land lies without 
arousing suspicion. Should we be interrupted, you are two 



THE FATAL BLOW 1 3 

politicians assisting me in a matter of vital importance. Say 
nothing, but look wise. 

Yerkes. We're on. 

Ely. Did you look the building over on the outside? 

Yerkes. Sure. We won't need a ladder, 'cause they've 
put a pile of lumber in the alleyway. So we can reach the 
window from that. 

Ely. Good. Did you examine the bars ? 

Yerkes. The bars are old and rusty. We'll file them 
easily enough. I just sketched this off. It'll kinder help 
us to lay our plan. 

{Takes rough drawing fro?n his pocket.} 

Ely. That's fine ! You've lost no time. 

Yerkes. This ain't the first bank we's cracked. 

Ely. No, I suppose not. 

Yerkes (as all three study the plan). After we gets in, 
it'll be easy sailin'. 

Adams (who has been eyeing Ely suspiciously). Ain't it 
a little irregular for you to be in a deal like this ? 

Ely. Er — er — yes — er — per 

Yerkes. Cut it out, Eve. We'll ask no questions, boss. 

Adams. Sure. 

Ely (pointing to plan). By this door we pass behind 
the counter, and the vault will be right in front of us. 

Adams. Just like takin' money from a child. 

Yerkes. They ain't any burglar alarm fixin's on the 
doors ? 

Ely. No. They've been disconnected, owing to alter- 
ations that are being made. Nothing to fear but the watch- 
man. 

Yerkes. We'll take care of him. 

Ely. No killing. 

Adams. We's knows our business. Say, mister (as 
Yerkes puts plan in his pocket), what's to be our share? 

Yerkes. Not so fast, Eve, not so fast. 

Ely. Wait till we see what we get. 

Yerkes. That's right. He'll be on the square. 

Ely. What will we do with the money, when we get it? 
It won't do to be too rich, you know, right after the break. 
We'll have to wait till the excitement blows over. 

Adams. You's a wise guy, all right, all right. 

Yerkes. Mother Boyce will take care of it. 



14 THE FATAL BLOW 

Ely. Who is she ? 

Adams. Diden yer ever hear of the Boyce house ? 

Ely. I must plead ignorance. 

Yerkes. It's over on the East River. 

Ely. Safe ? 

Yerkes. Yes. The motto there is, " What's his is his." 
The man what don't live up to it sees his finish. 

Ely {pausing). Suppose I wanted to find a place for a 
young lady to spend a few days. 

Yerkes. No better in the country. 

Adams. No questions asked and the best of care. 

Ely. What sort is this Mother Boyce ? 

Yerkes. Not much to look at ; but she can keep her 
mouth shut. 

Ely. Then you think it's quite safe ? 

Yerkes. As though she was dead. 

Ely. I'll decide later. 

Yerkes. You know where to find us ? 

Adams. We'll be ready. See you outside, Tin. 

{Exit Adams, l.) 

Ely. I'll see you at the alley on the stroke of one. 
Yerkes. We'll be on hand. 

{Exit, l.) 

Ely. To-night I'll have the money; and I need money 
badly enough, heaven knows. Ii the game doesn't go right 
— but why think of that ? 

{Enter Searles, c.) 

Searles. What success, Ely ? 

Ely. I don't know yet. I can tell better after {aside) 
to-night {aloud) a little later. A few days. 

{Enter Mary Searles, c.) 

Mary {not noticing Ely). I fear I've kept you waiting, 
father ? 

Searles. No, Mary. Didn't Freda come with you ? 

Mary. Yes. She will be here presently. 

Ely. Am I to be overlooked ? 

Mary {some7vhat antwyed and ?iot noticing Ely's out- 
stretched hand). Oh! Mr. Ely— er {Abruptly.) 



THE FATAL BLOW 15 

How do you do? (To her father.) I'm not intruding, 
father ? 

Searles. No, Mary. Cousin Ely and I have finished, 
at least temporarily, the business at hand. 

Mary. Then we'll go. 

Ely. Before you do, Miss Searles, I would like to speak 
to you. To renew a subject about which I have spoken to 
you 

Mary. Please spare me. Believe me, Mr. Ely, it is 
becoming tiresome to me to be forced to listen to your pro- 
fessions of love. Not that I do not appreciate the honor, 
but what you ask is quite impossible. 

Ely. Am I so distasteful to you ? Possibly this man, 
Allen, is more to your liking. 

Mary. It's not a question of tastes, Mr. Ely, but of love. 

Ely. I could teach you to love me. 

Mary. Why prolong this discussion ? This is hardly 
the place (To her father.) Are you ready, father? 

Ely. One moment, Mary. I'm going to teach you to 
love me. I have your father's permission. Further, it's 
his dearest wish that we marry. {To Searles.) Am I not 
right? 

Searles {speaking with effort). Yes, Mary, — I've — great 

— regard — for Frederick, and — nothing — would please 

(Pause. To Ely.) Why not wait a while, Ely? — At least 
— until I I'd like to talk the matter over — er — pri- 
vately with — with — er — Mary. 

Ely. I can depend upon you ? 

Searles. Yes. (Staggers.) 

Mary. Father ! (Goes to him.) 

Searles. It's nothing. Just a slight dizziness. 

Ely. You should take a rest. 

Searles. You said we would have information concern- 
ing the Consolidated this afternoon. 

Ely. Yes. I will return shortly. (Crosses L. To 
Mary.) I'm not discouraged, Mary. 

(Exit, l.) 

Mary. Do you feel ill, father ? 

Searles. No, Mary, it was just for the moment. 

( Crosses R. for his hat.) 
(Enter Thomas Allen, doorc. He carries plans, rolled.) 



1 6 THE FATAL BLOW 

Allen. How do you do, Mary ? (Shakes hands.} 
Mary. I haven't seen you for several days. 

Allen. No — er 

Searles (coming to c). You wish to see me, Allen ? 
Allen. Yes, sir. I return the plans. 

(Offers them to Searles.) 

Searles. Place them on the desk. Has Gregory 
finished with them ? 

Allen. He will not need them. (Places plan on desk, 
r.) He wishes to see you in the bank, in regard to the 
alterations. Shall I tell him you are engaged ? 

Searles. No, I'll go and see him. (To Mary.) Mary, 
you will pardon me ? 

Mary. Yes. (Exit Searles, door c.) Now, sir, where 
have you been all this time ? 

Allen (cornered, but trying to bluff). Why — I don't 
know. I 

Mary. Why haven't you come to see me? 

Allen (desperately). Well, Mary, it's because I under- 
stand, that is, I've heard a rumor, that you are engaged to 
marry Montford-Ely. So I was afraid you would not be at 
home — to me. 

Mary. How absurd, Tom. What a falsehood. If this 
world were peopled by women and one man, and that man 
was Montford-Ely, and I was his choice for a wife, I would 
far rather death should claim me for its own than marry 
that man. I distrust, despise him. 

Allen. Continue to distrust him. I can't tell you why, 
because I'm not sure enough of his trickery to act. He is 
clever, and would not stop at anything to accomplish his 
end. But I will defeat him yet. 

Mary. You must, Tom • because I want you to. 

Allen. Then I will, Mary, for your sake. 

Mary. Thank you, Tom. 

Allen. Mary, there is something very important that I 
want to say to you. 

Mary. Not here, Tom, please. I can't tell you why 
just now. Come to-morrow. 

Allen. Yes. Ah! Mary, the coming of to-morrow will 
be, to me, as long as eternity. And when I see you I want 
to tell you about the success I've had in a business deal. 

Mary. I'll be glad to hear about it. But whether you 



THE FATAL BLOW 1 7 

had money or not, Tom, would not influence the trust and 
confidence I have in you. 

{Enter Smythe, c.) 

Smythe. Mr. Searles is ready. 

Mary. I must go. Until to-morrow. 

Allen. Until to-morrow. 

Mary (to Smythe, as she goes up stage). Tell Freda, 
when she comes, to wait for me. I will call for her. 

Smythe. Yes. (Exit Mary, c.) Wish you luck, Tom. 
Great girl. Kind of icy, though. Now, Freda is dif- 
ferent 



Allen. Yes, I know, Toby. Let me wish you luck. 

Smythe. Gee ! I don't know. I can never tell how I 
stand with Freda. 

Allen (laughingly). Don't lose courage, Toby. 

Smythe. It's all right for you to say that, because you're 
solid. 

Allen. One can never tell what may happen between 
one day and the next. 

Smythe. Guess you're right, Tom. Did you see my 
father yesterday ? 

Allen. Yes. I've pretty good proof that Montford-Ely 
did not spend one-sixth of the money Searles paid him to be 
used in lobbying at Albany. 

Smythe. What ! You mean that Ely stole most of it ? 

Allen. Well, let us say, appropriated it for his own use. 
Ely has been speculating, and has lost heavily. This money 
from Searles came in rather handy to tide him over. 

Smythe. You're going to show him up to Searles? 

Allen. Not until your father agrees to leave Searles out 
in this investigation. 

Smythe. Will he ? 

Allen. I'm to know to-morrow. 

(Freda Searles etiters hurriedly, l. ) 

Freda. Good-morning, Mr. Allen. Where is Mary? 

Allen. She - 

Freda. Why, there's Toby. {Goes to him.) 
Smythe (dolefully). Yes, it's I, Freda. 
Allen. My move. (Goes up stage.) Your sister 
wishes you to wait for her here. (Pause. Freda pays no 



l8 THE FATAL BLOW 

attention to Allen, for she is engrossed in her coiiversatton 
with Smythe.) Did you hear me, Freda? 

Freda {startled). Oh ! yes, yes. I beg your pardon, 
Mr. Allen. What — er — what was it you said? 

Allen. Your sister desires you to wait for her here. 

Freda. I suppose I must, then. 

(Smythe signs to Allen to clear out.) 
Allen. I will see you again. 

{Exit, laughing t c.) 

Freda. Now, Mr. Toby Smythe, give an account of 
your actions at Mrs. Leather's dance last night. 

Smythe. What did I do ? 

Freda. Do ! What did you mean by dancing three 
times with Emma Springer ? Why ! she's as old as my sis- 
ter Mary. And thin ! She's painfully so. The papers say 
she's willowy, but I call her skinny. 

Smythe. Why — wh 

Freda. Now, don't say you didn't or that she dances 
divinely; because she doesn't. I think she's awkward. 
Always bumping in to some one and not even apologizing. 

Smythe (determinedly). See here, Freda, you're rub- 
bing it in. You know I asked you for every dance, and 
you said they were all taken. 

Freda. What if I did ? If you'd had any spunk you 
would have insisted. You might have, at least, come to see 
how I was getting on. 

Smythe. I'd better go. {Starts up stage.) 

Freda. Don't go, Toby. I'll forgive you. 

Smythe (coming down). You're not treating me just 
right, Freda. I think you're the best girl — I — er — I — ever 
knew. 

Freda. Now you're being nice, Toby. 

Smythe (coming to her and trying to take her hand). 
Freda. 

Freda. Now, Toby, you have spoiled it by becoming 
sentimental. You always want to do like the hero in a 
novel. The pale moon above and one last look into her 
soulful eyes, and all that sort of thing. 

Smythe. You never take me seriously. 

(Enter Mrs. Doane, l.) 



me? 



THE FATAL BLOW 19 

Mrs. Doane. This is an unexpected pleasure, Freda and 
Mr. Smythe. {Shakes hands.) Mr. Searles is not here? 

Smythe. No. We expect him back at any moment. 
{Goes up stage.) You will excuse me ? 

Mrs. Doane. Certainly. 

{Exit Smythe, c.) 

Freda {standing looking at Mrs. Doane). Won't you— 
er— er— be seated, Mrs. Doane ? 
Mrs. Doane. Thank you. 

{Sits in chair near desk. Slight pause.) 

Freda. Do you enjoy motoring ? 

Mrs. Doane. Yes. I'm a most enthusiastic admirer of 
it. You are, of course ? 

Freda. Oh, yes. {Pause.) You— you— won't— er— 
consider me— er— rude, if I were to ask you to— er— excuse 

;? 

Mrs. Doane. Don't let me detain you. 

Freda {with a sigh of relief). Some shopping before 
Mary comes. 

{Exit, door c.) 

Mrs. Doane {laughing). I fear I interrupted a most in- 
teresting situation. (Sees plan on desk. Picks it up and 
studies it.) Plan of a bank. {Studies it more closely.) 
Why ! it's this bank. 

{Enter Ely, l.) 

Ely. Agnes (Mrs. Doane rises and drops plan on desk), 
and here alone. How fortunate. 

Mrs. Doane. Yes. 

Ely. What was that paper? 

Mrs. Doane {handing Ely the plan). Plan of a bank. 

Ely. What ! This bank ! 

Mrs. Doane. Is it? It appears, to my inexperienced 
eye, that one with a plan like that would not encounter much 
difficulty in securing some of the good things stored within 
those safes. 

Ely. You mean Why put such an idea into my 

head ? {Puts plan into his pocket.) 

Mrs. Doane {laughing). My dear Monty, how honest 
you are becoming. 



20 THE FATAL BLOW 

Ely. As honest as most men. 

Mrs. Doane. I've heard of banks being robbed before. 

Ely. Is this a joke? 

Mrs. Doane. As I alighted from my car, I noticed two 
men ; really, Monty (laughs'), they reminded me of one's 
country cousins trying to appear at ease at a five o'clock 
tea. 

Ely. You see and talk too much. 

Mrs. Doane. Then I shall be blind and dumb. 

Ely. Enough of this. What did you learn regarding 
the Consolidated ? 

Mrs. Doane. Enough to send you to prison. 

Ely. That's refreshing. 

Mrs. Doane. Allen has secured information of your 
having used the money entrusted to you by Searles for your 
own use. 

Ely. That's nothing to worry about. 

Mrs. Doane. Isn't it? What will Searles do when 
Allen tells him? 

Ely. Nothing. He won't dare to. To accuse me of 
having misappropriated the money would only convict him 
of having been a party to the bribery, in connection with 
the Consolidated. I don't think he'll want to be drawn 
into the investigation. You see, Agnes, I'm quite safe. 

Mrs. Doane. Suppose Allen has been clever enough to 
arrange with this man, Senator Smythe, to protect Searles ? 

Ely. I don't believe he'd do it. 

Mrs. Doane. I do. Allen has had an interview with 
him. He's to receive his answer to-morrow. 

Ely. The devil ! My only hope is in forcing Searles to 
make Mary agree to marry me, before Allen has the op- 
portunity of telling him. As Mary's husband he would not 
dare to have me arrested. 

Mrs. Doane. And if she won't? 

Ely. I have made provision for that. You are to invite 
her to your apartments. The reason you will give to get 
her there I will let you know later. After you get her there 
I'll take care of the rest. Some one is coming. It's best 
for us not to be seen together. When Searles returns tell 
him that Allen has seen Smythe and they have evidence 
enough to convict him. Hush, he's coming. 

(Exit Ely quickly, l., as Searles enters c.) 



THE FATAL BLOW 21 

Searles. Accept my apologies, Mrs. Doane, for having 
kept you waiting. 

Mrs. Doane. No need of an apology, Mr. Searles. I 
know what a busy man you are. 

Searles. Hum ! Now, to business. What information 
have you ■ 

Mrs. Doane. Bad. Very bad. Allen knows every- 
thing. Has seen Smythe 

{Reenter Ely, l.) 

Ely. Mrs. Doane ! I hardly expected you so soon. 
Been here long? 

Mrs. Doane. No 

Searles (excitedly}. Allen has information enough to 
convict us ! 

Ely. Us ? That's your affair, cousin. 

Searles. Would you desert me ? 

Ely. Yes, unless you secure Mary's consent to marry me. 

Searles (pause. With effort}. I'll — I'll — do my — 
best. 

(Enter Mary, c.) 

Mary. Oh ! You're engaged. 

Mrs. Doane. No. We were just about to go. 

Mary. I thought my sister was here. 

(Allen enters, door c.) 

Allen. Gregory has returned and wants to see the 
plan. 

Searles. It is where you left it, on the desk. 

Allen (crosses to desk. Not seeing plan tosses about 
other papers, which are on desk. Speaks excitedly). It's 
gone ! 

(Crosses to c. Mrs. Doane is l. c. Mary, r. Searles, 
r. c. Ely, l. ) 

Searles. You left it there as I went out. 

(Allen looks suspiciously at Mrs. Doane.) 

Mrs. Doane. Why do you look so sharply at me, Mr. 
Allen ? Surely, you would not accuse me of having taken 
it, even though I had been here alone ? 



22 THE FATAL BLOW 

Searles. It must be there somewhere. 

Ely. If it isn't there, then Allen knows where it is. 

Allen. What do you mean ? 

Ely. It's a trick, Searles. Allen is trying to checkmate 
Mrs. Doane, whom he knows is endeavoring to defeat him 
in his efforts to incriminate you in the matter of the 
Consolidated. 

Mrs. Doane. How absurd ! 

Ely. He wants to brand Mrs. Doane as a thief so that 
he can earn the money that Smythe is spending to get evi- 
dence for his investigation. 

Allen. You lie ! — you — it was you who stole the plan. 

Ely {going to him). Retract that, you spy. 

Allen. No, you deceitful cur ! 

(Allen drops handkerchief, as he springs forward to strike 
Ely. Mary throws herself between them.) 



quick curtain 



ACT II 

SCENE —Library in home of Searles. For description 
see Scene Plot, page 6. At rise Mary is discovered 
seated on sofa, R., reading newspaper. 

Mary (reading from paper). A daring bank robbery. 
The People's Bank looted. The night-watchman found 
bound and gagged. It was, undoubtedly, the work of 
professionals. Entrance to the bank had been gained 
through a window that faces on a blind alley. 

(Enter Freda, door c.) 

Freda {calling). Mary. 
Mary. Yes, Freda. 

Freda (coming down). What, reading the account of 
the bank robbery again ? You'll know it by heart soon. 
Mary. Not as bad as racing down to the bank as you 

have done. „,, 

Freda. Oh ! Mary, you ought to have seen it. lne 
bars outside of the window were sawed off as if they were 
pieces of wire. And, oh ! Mary, you should see the room ! 
The big vault door was blown off just as though it had been 
wood. Everything is strewn all over the floor You never 
saw such a place. Every one is racing around, wildly ex- 
cited. The reporters are butting in, so Mr. Allen says. 1 
never had so much fun as I did watching them. 

Mary. It's rather serious fun, Freda. (Enter Searles, 
door i,.) Father! 
Freda. Dad ! 

{Both girls rush to him and throw their arms around him.) 
Searles (as they come to a). At last— home, where 

there's peace and quietness. 

Mary. You must be all tired out from the worry and 

excitement at the bank. % 

Searles. Yes, all I've been doing is listening to theories 

advanced by the police, as to how it was done ; the requests 

23 



24 THE FATAL BLOW 

of the reporters for information, as if I had been an eye-wit- 
ness to it all. I'll go and lie down, for a short rest, before 
dinner. 

{All go up, and exit Searles, c. Mary and Freda come 
down and Mary sits on sofa, r.) 

Freda. Why do you look so serious, Mary? 

Mary. I'm worried about father. 

Freda. I wouldn't worry, Mary. After this affair is 
cleaned up he'll be all right again. 

Mary. Perhaps so. 

Freda. Who do you think could have robbed the bank ? 

Mary. What a question, Freda. 

Freda. I think Mrs. Doane might tell us something 
about it, if she only would. 

Mary. Women don't rob banks, like this one was. 

Freda. Perhaps not. But it's strange where that plan 
of the bank went. I know how they accused Tom, but 
he didn't take it. 

Mary. No. Tom — er, Mr. Allen — never took it, you 
may be assured. 

Freda. -Nor Toby. 

Mary. No. 

Freda. Then that only leaves Mrs. Doane and Mont- 
ford-Ely. 

Mary. Er — yes. Why should they want to rob the 

bank? Why they are both How absurd you are, 

Freda. 

Freda. Oh, I don't know. They need money, like 
other people. Toby told me how hard pushed Ely was for 
money. 

Mary. One cannot always rely on what Toby says. 

Freda. Well now, that's a mean speech, Mary Searles. 

Mary. Forgive me, sister. I did not intend to hurt 
your feelings. 

Freda. But you did. Mary, is — is 

Mary. What is it, Freda ? 

Freda. Is Montford-Ely anything to you ? 

Mary. What do you mean ? 

Freda. You're not going — going to — to marry him, are 
you? 

Mary. No — Freda. 



THE FATAL BLOW 25 

Freda. I'm glad to know it. I wish father would cut 
him. 

Mary (rising). Business makes strange bed fellows. 

{Enter Smythe, l.) 

Smythe. Hello, everybody. 

Freda. Why, Toby ! {Suddenly becomes frigid.) Mr. 
Smythe, I do not consider your salutation a proper one for 
ladies. 

Smythe. Nothing I do seems proper in your eyes, Freda. 
However (To Mary, shaking hands with great for- 
mality. ) How do you do, Miss Searles ? (Same business 
with Freda. ) How do you do, Freda ? 

Freda. That's better. Why do you call Mary Miss 
Searles, and me just Freda? 

Smythe. I'm— er — well — er — you see 

Freda. No, I don't see. 

Smythe. Well, you see 

Freda. I told you I didn't see. 

Smythe. If you must know — er — er — I'm not going to 
— to — marry Mary. 

Freda. Are you me ? 

Smythe. I — I — don't know. I like — I'd like to. 

Freda. Then I'm afraid you will have to continue — just 
liking to. (Sits on divan, r.) 

Mary. I'm going. 

{Exit, c.) 

Smythe {crossing to divan). Freda, you — you know I 
— I — think the world of you. 

Freda. That's no reason why you should say so before 
Mary. 

Smythe. I'm sorry. {Crosses to c.) Freda, I've come 
to say good-bye. 

Freda. Good-bye ! 

Smythe (dolefully). Yes. 

Freda {crossing to a). Where — where are you going? 

Smythe. To — to — be — a — arrested. 

Freda. For what ? 

Smythe. As an accomplice of Tom Allen's. For rob- 
bing the bank. 

Freda. Tom Allen isn't going to be arrested. 



26 THE FATAL BLOW 

Smythe. I ought to know. They had him up before 
the Board this morning. Some of Ely's work. He's been 
nosing around all morning. 

Freda. Oh, Toby ! Toby ! Ah, they won't arrest you. 
They won't. I'll see father. 

Smythe. Don't see him ! Don't ! I'm — I'm not sure 
I'm to be arrested. 

Freda. Then why did you say you were ? 

Smythe. Wanted to see how you'd feel. 

Freda {crossing r.). It wouldn't bother me at all. I 
was only excited over the fun of attending the trial. Don't 
you, really, think you'll be arrested ? 

Smythe {savagely). No. {Goes to her, with feeling.') 
You think it's fun to watch a fellow getting sent away to — 
to — break stone or — or — that sort a thing, when he's inno- 
cent? 

{Enter Allen, l.) 

Allen {pausing just inside door). Beg pardon. Do I 
intrude ? 

Freda. Oh ! 

Smythe. Hello, Tom. 

Allen. Is Mary at home ? 

Freda. Yes. I'll tell her you're here. 

{Exit, c.) 

Smythe. Tom, did — did they accuse me of — of — rob- 
bing the bank ? 

Allen. No, Toby. It's merely another move of Ely's 
to get me out of the way. I know too much for his com- 
fort. 

Smythe. Did you hear from my father ? 

Allen. Yes. I have all the information that is neces- 
sary to send Ely to prison. But now 

Smythe. What ? 

Allen. Searles refuses to see me. I fear he believes me 
guilty of having robbed the bank. 

Smythe. Father telegraphed he'd be here to-night. I'll 
get him to help you. 

Allen {taking Smythe by the hand). Thanks, Toby, 
old man, thanks. 

{Enter Mary, c.) 



THE FATAL BLOW 27 

Mary. Tom ! 

Allen. Mary ! 

Smythe. I guess I'll go. Where's Freda ? 

Mary. In the billiard room. 

Smythe. Thanks. See you later, Tom. 

{Exit, c.) 

Allen. Mary, I must apologize for that scene 

Mary. No, Tom, please. 

Allen. Then I won't. 

Mary. You look worried, Tom. 

Allen. Yesterday I believed the world was all sunshine 
and happiness. 

Mary. Isn't it? 

Allen. No. It has many heartaches, many disap- 
pointments. . . 

Mary. Why, Tom ! You are becoming a pessimist. 

Allen. Yesterday saw the culmination of a number of 
big deals that I was interested in. It made me financially 
independent. Then, when you told me to come to-day, I 
felt that I was enjoying the greatest happiness that man 
could desire. 

Mary. Yes, Tom. 

Allen. But that happiness was not to be of long dura- 
tion. 

Mary. Do you fear my answer ? 

Allen. Mary ! I can't ask you what that answer 
would be. 

Mary. Tom, what has happened? 

Allen. Nothing actually. It is the suspicion that hangs 
over me. Mary ! 1 can't ! I won't come to you and ask 
you to share my life, my name, while there is the slightest 
taint of suspicion resting upon it. 

Mary. Tom, a woman may be the essence of contrari- 
ness. But yet, for the man she honors and respects, the 
man she loves she would give her life. Yes, her honor if 
needs be. 

Allen. Mary ! Mary ! I can't ! I can't ! I have 
not the right. It would be wrong to ask you to be my wife, 
while the stigma of this crime hangs over me. 
Mary. Let me be the judge of that. 

{Enter Jennie, l.) 



28 THE FATAL BLOW 

Jennie. Beg pardon, Miss Mary. A letter for you. 
The messenger is waiting for an answer. 

Mary {taking letter. To Allen). You will pardon 
me? 

Allen. Certainly. 

Mary {reading letter. To Jennie). Tell the messenger 
he need not wait. I'll send the reply later. 

Jennie. Yes, Miss Mary. 

{Exit, L. 2.) 

Mary. Listen, Tom. {Reads from letter.*) " If con- 
venient for you, will you please call to-morrow afternoon, at 
three ? I may be able to tell you something about the dis- 
appearance of the bank plan. Yours in haste, Agnes Doane. 
P. S. — Messenger will wait for your answer." 

Allen. What does that mean ? 

Mary. I don't know. I can't understand it. 

Allen. Do you intend going ? 

Mary. I don't know. — Yes — I — think I shall. 

Allen. I wouldn't. It sounds suspicious. 

Mary {laughingly'). Why, Tom? 

Allen. I don't like that woman. 

Mary. Why should I fear her? What has she to tell 
me? Who knows, Tom, she may be able to help remove 
this suspicion from you. I think it's best that I should go. 

Allen. It at least can do no harm. When you go, how- 
ever, Mary, I'll not be far away. It may be doing Mrs. 
Doane an injustice, but I don't like her relationship with 
Ely. 

{Enter Jennie, l.) 

Jennie. Mr. Montford-Ely, to see Mr. Searles. 
Mary. Show him in, Jennie. I'll send father down. 
Come, Tom, we'll join Freda and Toby. 

{Exeunt, c.) 

{Enter Ely, l. He glances about, and on not seeing any 
one, goes to table, c, picks up book a?id looks at it. Enter 
Searles, door c.) 

Searles. Well, Ely, what now? 

Ely. What are you going to do with Allen? 



THE FATAL BLOW 20, 

Searles. I don't see that we can do anything. The tes- 
timony of the night watchman, who is suffering with a broken 
head, isn't sufficient to have any one arrested. 

Ely. I think it is. The fact that it was Allen's hand- 
kerchief that was used as a gag appears to me to be con- 
clusive evidence enough. 

Searles. Yes. But you must recall that you are the 
only one who was able to identify it as being Allen's. 

Ely. True. But when we add the information con- 
cerning him that I have secured to-day, there'll be no ques- 
tion of his conviction. The watchman admits that Allen 
worked late last night. That he also called his attention to 
the way the lumber was piled in the alleyway, under the 
window. Also that the bars across the window were not 
any too strong. 

Searles. You can't convict a man on that evidence. 
Ely. Further, you can prove that Allen was the last one 
to have the plan of the bank. 

Searles. He wouldn't need it. He would have no oc- 
casion to blow the door, for he knows the combination. 

Ely. I'm not saying he did. But I do say he had ex- 
perienced men to do it. 

Searles. Then he'd tell them the combination. 
Ely. He's no fool. To do that would have been most 
conclusive evidence of his guilt. He was too crafty for that. 
Tell me, where did he get the large sum of money he de- 
posited to-day in the Erie bank ? 
Searles. I had not heard of that. 
Ely. Nor that he has been speculating heavily? 
Searles. No. 

Ely. You must have him arrested. 
Searles. We must make no mistake. 
Ely. I tell you, you must. If for no other reason than 
to close his mouth on the Consolidated matter. 

Searles. This affair of the bank's has driven all other 
matters from my mind. Yes, he must be arrested. If only 
to protect ourselves. 

Ely. I'm glad you see it in that light. I've taken the 
liberty of having a warrant sworn out, in your name, for his 
arrest. The detectives are now looking for him. 
Searles. Hum. 

Ely. Now, Searles, this affair of Mary's and mine? 
Searles. It's a hard task you're placing upon me. 



30 THE FATAL BLOW 

Ely. Not half so hard as Blackwell's Island 

Searles. My God ! not that. Think of the disgrace. 
The — disgrace. 

Ely {ringing bell on table. Enter Jennie, l.). Tell 
Miss Mary that her father wishes to see her. 

Jennie. Yes, sir. 

{Exit Jennie, c. Searles, much agitated, walks up and 
down stage. ) 

{Enter Mary, c.) 

Mary. What is it, father? You sent for me? 

Searles. Mary, you and Freda are all I have in the 
world. Mary, I want you, for my sake, to — to — consent to 
marry Ely. 

Mary. Father ! (Pause.) Father ! what — what — do 
you mean ? 

(Smythe comes to door c, pauses, and as conversation pro- 
ceeds he hides behind portiere at door C.) 

Searles. Don't force nje to tell you why. 
Mary. You must, father. (Throws arms around 
his neck.) You must ! 

(Exit Smythe, hurriedly.) 

Searles. Why insist, Ely? Don't you see how hard it 
is? (Sinks into chair, r.) My heart is breaking — breaking. 

Ely. Mary, your father is in a bad way. Business, you 
know. 

Searles. Yes, Mary. Your marriage with Ely is the 
only means of saving me. 

(Allen and Smythe enter, door c.) 

Mary. Mr. Ely, a daughter's first duty is to her parents. 
I don't love you. I never can love you. But, to save my 
father from disgrace, I'd — I'd 

Allen (coming down). Do nothing. 

Mary. Tom. 

Allen. Mr. Searles, I've tried to tell you many times 
to-day, but you would not see me, that that man (points to 
Ely) is a scoundrel. Hardly a dollar of the money ob- 
tained from you, under the guise of using it to further the 






THE FATAL BLOW 3 1 

Consolidated 's interests, was ever spent for that purpose. It 
was used mostly by that man for his own needs. 

Ely. Very clever, Allen. Most amusing. 

Allen. Your tool, Courtney, has confessed. He has 
told how, at your bidding, he instigated the bribery rumor, 
which resulted in the investigation ; so that you would have 
{points to Searles) that man in your power. 

Ely. You lie ! It's a lie, Searles ! Allen is trying 
to do the Good Samaritan act. Thinks it'll save him, but it 
won't. Who'd believe a thief? 

Allen. Thief ! 

Smythe. Don't be too sure, Mr. Ely. {To Searles, as 
he points at Ely.) More proof of that man's perfidy can be 
had when my father arrives home to-night. 

Ely. Bah, be quiet, boy. Searles, Allen is the one who 
robbed the bank. The police have all the proof necessary 
for his arrest. 

{Goes to door l., and motions to Detective, off.) 

Allen. What ! You — you 

(Detective enters quickly, l.) 

Detective {displaying badge). Which is Allen ? 
Ely. That's your man. Arrest him. 
Mary (as Detective goes to Allen and snaps handcufl r s 
on him). Father ! 



quick curtain 



ACT III 

SCENE. — Apartment of Mrs. Doane, Hotel Bremer, 
Central Park. For description see Scene Plot, page J. 
Double door l., with draperies. At rise Mrs. Doane 
enters l., crosses R., and looks at clock. 

Mrs. Doane. Mary Searles will soon be here. {Crosses 
l., while speaking.) Fred ! Fred ! why am I assisting 
you to place another in that position which rightly belongs 
to me? No, I must always remain just a faithful friend. 

{Enter Ely, r.) 

Ely. Just for a moment, Agnes. She is coming ? 

Mrs. Doane. Yes, at three. 

Ely (looking at watch). It's very nearly that now. 
Good. 

Mrs. Doane. What am I to say to her? 

Ely. Tell her — that What the devil is the need 

of telling her anything, so long as you get her here ? 

Mrs. Doane. How can I keep her ? Suppose Allen is 
with her? 

Ely. No fear of that. He has been arrested. 

Mrs. Doane. So I saw by the paper. 

Ely. This morning he was held, on probable cause, for 
the next session of the Grand Jury. I've had a few exciting 
days. 

Mrs. Doane. Then let us go away, Fred. Abroad — 
Paris, Venice or one of the countless other places where we 
can be happy. Just you and I. 

Ely. Not till I've secured the prize. Mary Searles must 
be my wife. 

Mrs. Doane. Then I'll be tossed aside like a broken toy. 

Ely. Who said so ? 

Mrs. Doane. It isn't necessary to say so. I can never 
be more to you than — than — just a friend 

Ely. What nonsense is this ? 

Mrs. Doane. Ah ! Fred, we were happy. Happy 
until 

Ely. You tire me. I'll go. 

32 



THE FATAL BLOW 



33 



Mrs. Doane. No ! No ! Fred ! 

Ely. Agnes, I must marry Mary Searles. I must have* 
her money. As her husband, Searles would not dare to 
have me arrested for the robbery of the bank. 

Mrs. Doane. You were in that, too? 

Ely. Who said so ? 

Mrs. Doane. I'm no fool, Fred. 

Ely. Yes, I'm in it deep. Mary Searles is my only hope 
of safety. 

Mrs. Doane. If she refuses you ? 

Ely. She won't. 

Mrs. Doane. Where are you going to take her ? 

Ely. To the home of a woman named Boyce. Where 
she will be as safe as though she was in a tomb. 

Mrs. Doane. Yes. 

Ely (crossing r.). I must be going. Don't fail me. 

(Exit, door r.) 

Mrs. Doane {standing looking at door R. for a moment). 
Ah ! what a fool a woman is. I do this for you, Fred. 
Why ! Why ! because I love you. I who cannot be more 

to you Oh ! no ! no ! no ! (Goes up to window ', c. 

Enter Mary, r. Mrs. Doane comes down.) So good of 
you to come, Miss Searles. 

Mary. Thank you. 

Mrs. Doane. Won't you sit down ? 

Mary (sitting on sofa l.). Thank you. 

Mrs. Doane. I suppose you're wondering why I — I — did 

not Oh ! let me say how much I deplore the arrest of 

Mr. Allen. What a shock it was to me. I've always con- 
sidered him a most estimable young man. 

Mary. Thank you. You will be glad to hear that he 
is free, at least for a time. 

Mrs. Doane. Thanks to your father, of course. 

Mary. No, to Senator Smythe. 

Mrs. Doane. How fortunate that the Senator should 
arrive home just at this time. 

Mary. We're wasting time, Mrs. Doane. If you can 
tell me nothing, I'll go. (Rises.) 

Mrs. Doane (forcing her back on the sofa). No ! no ! 
You're not going. 

Mary. Mrs. Doane, will you allow me to pass ? 

Mrs. Doane. I say you are not going. 



34 



THE FATAL BLOW 



Mary. What does this mean ? 
• Mrs. Doane. That you will not leave this room until I 
let you. 

Mary. How absurd. 

Mrs. Doane. Your baby face has robbed me of the man 
I love. 

Mary. If you refer to Montford-Ely, let me tell you I 
detest and despise him. 

Mrs. Doane. You little fool, do you think I believe or 
care what you may say? No ! He's set his mind on hav- 
ing you. He's going to have you, no matter how. Do 
you understand ? No matter how ! 

Mary. You do not know what you are saying. 

Mrs. Doane {laughing hysterically). You can't make 
me believe that you do not care, do not love him. You 
can't deceive me, as he is trying to do. I tell you you 
can't ! You can't ! What right have you to take him from 
me ? He's mine ! mine ! 

Mary. Woman, you are going mad. 

Mrs. Doane. Yes, mad, mad. 

Mary. Then, let me pass. 

Mrs. Doane {laughing wildly). Ah ! no ! no ! I tell 
you. It's part of your plan for him to kidnap you, here 
in my apartments. To delude me. 

Mary. What are you saying ? You fiend, let me pass. 

(Mrs. Doane has her back toward door r., obscuring 
Mary's view of the door.) 

Mrs. Doane. You think he loves you. {Enter Ely, 
r., stands behind half-opened door unobserved and listens.) 
He doesn't. It's your money he wants. He wants you 
for his wife, to protect 

Ely {springing to her). You traitress ! 

{Strikes Mrs. Doane, who sinks to the floor.) 

Mary. Oh I you brute. 

{Starts R. Ely catches her by the wrist and draws her 
into his arms.) 

Ely. At last, Mary, my kisses shall fall upon your lips. 

{Kisses her.) 

Mary (struggling and freeing herself She stands with 
back toward door r., bewildered). Oh ! 

I 



THE FATAL BLOW 35 

Ely (starting toward her). Are my kisses so repulsive 

to you ? 

Mary (whipping small revolver from out of her pocket). 

Don't, don't come near me. 

Ely (Yerkes and Adams enter, silently, door r.). So, 

my little cat has a revolver, instead of claws. (To Yerkes 

and Adams.) Now. 

(Yerkes springs forward and wrenches the revolver from 
Mary. Mary screams. Adams presses chloroformed 
handkerchief to her nose. Mary sinks into Yerkes' 
arms. Exeunt all, R. The breaking in of a door is 
heard off stage, L. Allen and Smythe rush in through 
door l. Mrs. Doane dazed from the blow, slowly 
struggles to her feet. Allen assists her to sofa l.) 

Allen. What has happened ? Where is Mary ? 

Smythe. Yes. Wh-what's the — the matter ? 

Mrs. Doane. Oh ! the coward, to strike me. 

Allen. Who? (Mrs. Doane laughs hysterically.) 
Calm yourself, Mrs. Doane. 

Mrs. Doane. Yes, yes. They've taken her away. 
And I — I helped them. (Cries.) 

Allen. Control yourself. 

Mrs. Doane (controlling herself. Speaks determinedly). 
He struck me. {Rises.) Quick. They are taking Mary 
away. Oh ! go, go ! 

Allen. Where, where? 

Mrs. Doane. To the home of a woman named Boyce, 
on the East Side. 

Allen. Who is taking her ? My God ! Quick, Toby, 
the police. 

{Exit Smythe, door r. ) 

Mrs. Doane. Where you find the abductors of Mary, 
you will find those who robbed the bank. I've been his 
toy, his plaything. But no more. No more ! I'll leave no 
stone unturned to send him to prison. Now, go, before 
harm can come to her. {Exit Allen, door r.) Oh ! Ely, 
Ely. I loved you. Loved you. (Vehemently.) But no 
more, no more. {Leans against door r., crying.) 



curtain 



ACT IV 

SCENE. — Cellar rootn in the house of '" Mother Boyce." 
See Scene Plot, page 7. At l. is a door leading into 
another part of the cellar and thence to upper parts of 
the house. At c. is a short flight of stairs leading up to 
a door that opens out on to an alleyway. Under stairs 
is a closet. Down R. is a common kitchen table, much 
the worse for wear. About the table are three dilapidated 
chairs. Over table and hanging from ceiling is a large 
lamp. Up L. is a portable couch, upon which are 
pillows, cheap blanket and an old-fashioned comforter.) 

(At rise Yerkes and Adams are discovered seated at table. 
Mary seated on couch. Mother Boyce is standing left 
of table.) 

Yerkes. Say, Eve, I don't like this kidnapping business. 

Adams. Chicken-hearted, Tin? 

Yerkes. No. Feels though it wan't goin' to turn out 
just right. 

Mother Boyce. Hump ! Why don't yer think o' that 
first ? 

Yerkes. When I'm doin' business with a man an' he 
wants me to do more I'm not cry in' quits. 

Mother Boyce. Yes, an' we'll be all jugged. Shame 
on ye fer bringin' disgrace on a poor, honest, old woman 
like me. 

Yerkes. Sittin' 'ere talkin' about it won't do any good. 
I'm goin' down the line. Comin', Eve? 

Adams. Sure. Say, Tin, when's de guy comin' to divvy 
the swag ? 

Yerkes. He'll be 'ere to-night. 

Adams. All right. 

(Exit, door l.) 

Yerkes (standing in doorway l. To Mother Boyce). 
Don't forget to take her for some air. This hole will kill 
her. 

36 



THE FATAL BLOW 



37 



Mother Boyce. It's good 'nough fer me. 
Yerkes. You heard what I said. 
Mother Boyce. Yes. 
Yerkes. Don't forget it. 
Mother Boyce. No, Tin. 
Yerkes. All right. 

{Exit, door l.) 

Mother Boyce. Come get yer things on an' I'll take 
yer fer an airin'. 

Mary. Why do you keep me here ? Are you a woman, 
with a woman's heart? 

Mother Boyce. Hold yer tongue. 

{Drags her from couch.') 

Mary. Stop ! I'll go. 

Mother Boyce {as Mary starts to put on hat and coat). 
No, them things be too good. 'Ere. {Hands Mary an old 
shawl. Mary hesitates.) Put it on. (Mary throws it 
over her head.) Come along, and don't try and get away. 

{She leads Mary up stairs, c, and exeunt.) 

(Allen and Smythe, with revolvers drawn, enter l.) 

Allen {putting revolver in pocket). Guess we won't 
need them, Toby. 

Smythe. No. This is an awful hole, Tom. 

Allen. Yes, and to think that Mary should be confined 
here. 

Smythe. It doesn't appear as though she were. 

Allen {displaying coat which he has found on couch). 
Toby ! What's this? 

Smythe. Mary's coat ! Where can she be? 

Allen. I don't know. But I'm going to find out. You 
go back the way we came. Find Searles and the police. 
Send a squad around to that door {points to door c.) and 
guide the rest of them through the house the same way as 
we came. 

Smythe. What are you going to do ? 

Allen. Never mind me. Go, and be quick. 

Smythe. Take care of yourself, Tom. 

{Exit, L.) 



38 THE FATAL BLOW 

{Fumbling is heard outside door c. Allen hides in closet, 
near stairs, as Yerkes enters. Adams quickly follows 
him.') 

Adams. Where's de old woman ? 

Yerkes (putting can on table). Givin' the girl an airin'. 
Wish I hadn't told her ter take the girl out to-night. I'm 
afraid of this business. Woke up suddenly like, last night. 
Thought it was all up with me. 

Adams. Cut it, Tin. You's goin' ter bits. When yer 
out yer wants ter come in. An' when yer 'ere yer don't 
know what ter do. 

(Enter Mother Boyce, c, shoving Mary ahead of her.) 

Mother Boyce (snatching shawl from Mary). Did 
my little bird like 'er airin' ? (To Yerkes.) What did yer 
bring 'er 'ere for? 

Adams. Cut it, mother. De swell guy is comin' ter- 
night, an' then we're finished. 

Mother Boyce. Make him do the right thing. 

Adams. Dis guy will do the white thing, Tin ? 

Yerkes. Sure. 

Adams. All right, Tin. But we'd better have an under- 
standin' afore he comes. No five thousand dollars for the 
job. We split even. 

Mother Boyce. That's right, boys. 

Yerkes. 'Course we will. De yer think I'm easy? 

Mother Boyce (rising). That's right, that's right. 

( Crosses toward l. as Ely enters L.) 

Ely. Good-evening. 

Mother Boyce (making courtesy). Good-evenin' ter ye, 
sir. 

Yerkes. You can go, mother. 

(Mother Boyce looks savagely at Yerkes, then exits, 
door l.) 

Ely (to Mary). How is my lady love to-night ? (Pause.) 
Won't speak. 

Adams. If yer can make her talk it's more 'en we can 
do. 

Ely. Mary, if you consent to be my wife it will end 



THE FATAL BLOW 39 

here. If not, then early to-morrow you are to be placed on 
a yacht, and we'll ride on and on, you as my toy, to be 
fondled or tossed aside as the whim may strike me. 

Mary (rising). Oh ! you — you — despicable villain. 
Death has far less terrors for me, than marriage with you. 
(To Yerkes and Adams.) Are you men? Men who re- 
spect womanhood ? Will you sit there and permit this — 
this 

Yerkes. Come, Ely, this ain't any torture chamber. 

Ely (turning, drawing revolver). Who are you talking 
to? 

Yerkes (has Ely covered). Drop yer gun, Ely. I've 
got yer covered. 

Ely (putting revolver in pocket). It's your move. 

Yerkes. Sit down. 

(Ely sits right of table.) 

Adams. Now, let's divvy. Share and share alike. 

Ely. You're mistaken. I'm to give you five thousand 
apiece. 

Adams. We's changed our minds. 

Ely (seeing Yerkes standing behind Adams and nerv- 
ously fingering revolver in his pocket). It's not a square 
deal. 

Yerkes. Guess we's knows what's square an' what's 
not. 

Ely. You're in command of the situation. 

Adams. We thought yer'd see the thing, all right enough. 
(To Yerkes.) Get the stuff, Tin. 

(Yerkes goes to supposed hiding-place under stairs, from 
which he takes four bags of money. Places one bag o?i 
table opposite Ely, one opposite Adams, at c, and an- 
other opposite vacant chair, l. The fourth one he empties 
out on to the table. Yerkes stands right of Adams as 
Adams and Ely divide the ?noney. Mary dashes for 
door, l. Yerkes draws revolver and fires at her. 
Just as Mary disappears through the doorway, Ely 
springs to his feet and rushes after her, followed by 
Yerkes. Allen comes from out of the closet and glid- 
ing up back of Adams, who has remained in his chair, 
strikes him over the head with his revolver. Adams 
falls across the table.) 



40 THE FATAL BLOW 

Mother Boyce (off stage). Thought yer'd escape, did 
yer? 

{As Yerkes reenters door } l., Allen fires at him. 
Yerkes drops his revolver to the floor and his right arm 
falls lifeless to his side. He rushes at Allen. They 
grapple and fight. ) 

Ely (off stage). Stay where you are, Mrs. Boyce ; she 
may try it again. (Ely reenters, dragging Mary after 
him. Seeing Allen he pushes Mary from him, and draws 
revolver.) Look out, Yerkes, till I finish the meddling fool. 

Mary {picking up the revolver which Yerkes has dropped, 
as Allen gets the best of him). Move an inch, Montford- 
Ely, and I'll fire. 

(Ely turns to Mary. Allen tosses Yerkes aside ; then 
springs at Ely and forces his revolver into the air. 
Ely's revolver is harmlessly discharged. They struggle.) 

Mother Boyce (off stage). The police ! The police ! 
{Enter Mother Boyce, door l.) The police ! 

(Simultaneously with the entrance of the police, door l., 
led by Smythe, the door at the head of stairs, c, is burst 
open, and ?nore police enter, followed by Searles. They 
drag Adams, Yerkes and Mother Boyce into the upper 
R. corner. Ely struggles betweefi two policei7ien, r.) 

Searles. Mary ! Mary, my child ! ( Takes her in his 
arms. To Ely.) At last, Montford-Ely, 1 find you in 
your true colors. 

{Enter Freda, accompanied by Mrs. Doane, l.) 

Ely. Yes, Searles, the game is up. You've got me 
beaten. 

Mrs. Doane. Yes. 

Ely. Agnes ! You ? 

Mrs. Doane. Not Agnes to you. You struck me, 
Montford-Ely, and now you must pay the price for that 
fatal blow. 

Ely. You — you — are — against me ? 

Mrs. Doane. Yes ! It's my revenge ! {Following is 
spoken as she exits, l.) It's my revenge ! 



THE FATAL BLOW 41 

(She laughs hysterically off stage. Ely breaks from police 
and dashes toward door at a, but is overtake?i before 
reaching it, and two drag Ely after them through door C.) 

Freda. Toby. 

Smythe. Where— where did you come from? 
Searles. Allen, I've done you a great wrong. Can you 
forgive me? 

Allen. For Mary's sake, yes. 
Mary. Tom. 



CURTAIN 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 103 499 ft 



mm: 









